Was going to say this in the "on your left" thread but it's probably more appropriate here, specific to the AC race, and would take what g lev says a bit further.
It sounds like there were some accidents caused by aggressive riding/poor decision making, which is too bad. But there's also something to be said for preparing less experienced/competitive riders to ride safe in a race like this.
I heard a bit of a pre-race meeting while checking in my bike, and while there was general talk about there being plenty of space, and that people should stay to the right (realistically, many opt to ride in the right lane rather than the shoulder), they ought to let people know that they should expect to be passed by cyclists who may be significantly faster (it sounded like the emphasis was on staying right to stay away from cars, not that when you drift right you might force someone else into cars, cause problems behind you, etc.).
I rode 2:16:xx and glanced behind each time I moved left to pass. I think I was passed by one rider. There's always someone faster than you. Regardless of bike handling skills (I'm competent for triathlon but hardly a skilled cyclist), the thing that people really need in a race like AC is an awareness of other riders on the course.
I have a lot of tolerance for inexperienced riders and know it's my responsibility to be safe -- I make sure I don't cross someone's like or get caught in a turn with someone going a different speed, and I speed up or slow down as necessary so I don't get to one the rumble strip pinch points at the same time someone else, but I think races could do more to let people know what's expected/normal on the course.
It sounds like there were some accidents caused by aggressive riding/poor decision making, which is too bad. But there's also something to be said for preparing less experienced/competitive riders to ride safe in a race like this.
I heard a bit of a pre-race meeting while checking in my bike, and while there was general talk about there being plenty of space, and that people should stay to the right (realistically, many opt to ride in the right lane rather than the shoulder), they ought to let people know that they should expect to be passed by cyclists who may be significantly faster (it sounded like the emphasis was on staying right to stay away from cars, not that when you drift right you might force someone else into cars, cause problems behind you, etc.).
I rode 2:16:xx and glanced behind each time I moved left to pass. I think I was passed by one rider. There's always someone faster than you. Regardless of bike handling skills (I'm competent for triathlon but hardly a skilled cyclist), the thing that people really need in a race like AC is an awareness of other riders on the course.
I have a lot of tolerance for inexperienced riders and know it's my responsibility to be safe -- I make sure I don't cross someone's like or get caught in a turn with someone going a different speed, and I speed up or slow down as necessary so I don't get to one the rumble strip pinch points at the same time someone else, but I think races could do more to let people know what's expected/normal on the course.